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SOS GYM

4.9 ★★★★★ 71 Google reviews · Judo dojo in Florence, Kentucky

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most dojos welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Open mat open-mat randori sessions for members to practice live — always optional and at your own pace
  • Competition a competition team for members who want to test themselves in shiai (tournaments)
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule sonofsiam.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (859) 474-2650

Hours

Monday 5:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday 12:30–1:30 PM, 5:30–7:30 PM
Wednesday 5:30 AM–7:30 PM
Thursday 12:30–1:30 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM
Friday 12:30–1:30 PM, 5:30–6:30 PM
Saturday 9:30–11:30 AM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-mat times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Judo classes on the schedule at SOS GYM, confirmed in members' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“I started BJJ with no prior experience and then later started bringing my sons to the youth BJJ classes while I was able to attend the beginner adult class at the same time.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🧒 Kids Judo 6 mentions

“I started BJJ with no prior experience and then later started bringing my sons to the youth BJJ classes while I was able to attend the beginner adult class at the same time.”

All dojos that run kids judo →

🥋 Adult Judo

“I started BJJ with no prior experience and then later started bringing my sons to the youth BJJ classes while I was able to attend the beginner adult class at the same time.”

All dojos that run adult judo →

🏆 Competition (Shiai) 4 mentions

“Many members compete on a regional level and perform very well, often taking gold in their division.”

All dojos that run competition (shiai) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“If you're looking for self-defense training or would like to compete in MMA there is no better place in the Northern Kentucky/ Cincinnati market.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Judo dojos are often multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at SOS GYM — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 14 mentions

“I started BJJ with no prior experience and then later started bringing my sons to the youth BJJ classes while I was able to attend the beginner adult class at the same time.”

Other dojos that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🏟️ MMA 7 mentions

“They offer top-notch instruction in Muay Thai, MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and Judo, making it a versatile training ground for all skill levels.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🎽 Karate

“You will get in great shape and learn to defend yourself better than any of the other shopping mall karate schools could teach you.”

Other dojos that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“If you're looking for self-defense training or would like to compete in MMA there is no better place in the Northern Kentucky/ Cincinnati market.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, wrestling, or sambo alongside your judo, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 71 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 5 mentions

“Nathan Fitch is the best instructor I have ever trained under, his knowledge and teaching ability is second to none.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“From beginner BJJ to competing MMA athlete, the instructors and advanced clientele will push you as far as you're willing to go.”

🤝 respectful, no-ego dojo 5 mentions

“Everyone is very welcoming and make you feel like a part of the team on day one.”

🏆 active competition team 5 mentions

“I primarily attend the noon BJJ classes at this gym and am constantly impressed with both the level of instruction and competition with other members during our sessions.”

🧼 clean, well-kept mats 5 mentions

“Abd an excellent team with a clean, safe and knowledgeable environment for people of all ages and skill levels.”

From the reviews

My home away from home. As a 16-5 professional fighter I discovered Son Of Siam 3 years ago. Besides having a amazing group of students, fighters and coaches it really stands apart for it's close knit atmosphere. SOS has been my home for 3 years and i have gone 5-1 under its banner. Great coach/Owner.

★★★★★ — Christopher, Aug 2017

Best gym in the Cincinnati area! Everyone is very welcoming and make you feel like a part of the team on day one. Instructors have a ton of experience. Looking to compete, train for self defense, or just to stay in shape? Son of Siam has all that and then some. Stop in and check them out. You won't be disappointed.

★★★★★ — Russ, Aug 2017

Nathan Fitch has a lifetime of martial arts experience and is an excellent teacher. He has produced martial artists and athletes of the best caliber. I highly recommend this gym to anyone interested in BJJ, Muay Thai, MMA, Judo, fitness, self defense, etc.

★★★★★ — Brendan, Aug 2017

This gym absolutely saved my life. The instructors and owner are wonderful people and want nothing more to teach the amazing values of mixed martial arts. I could never see myself training elsewhere. I absolutely recommend to try this gym out. I've been here since 2018 and have always had a wonderful experience.

★★★★★ — Zach, Oct 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 71 reviews →

New to judo? Start at SOS GYM

SOS GYM comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

See their beginner class info

Your first judo class at SOS GYM

Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Judo is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your sensei, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find SOS GYM

26 Spiral Dr, Florence, KY41042

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.